Further support for Northern Ireland's 'Take a Stand on
Stigma' pledge:

Jonny Evans, Manchester United and Northern
Ireland footballer, leant his support ahead of tonight’s Northern
Ireland v Italy match. “Sometimes we don’t know that what we are
saying is hurting someone else, and making fun of mental health can
stop someone getting help when they need it. If you think a friend
is having a problem, give them some support to get help. Look after
your own head – get out and get some exercise. Playing a game of
football won’t just keep your body fit, it’s great for your mental
wellbeing too.”

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Pat
Convery, said he is enthusiastic about supporting the
stigma initiative. "By showing support all of us can make a real
difference. Rather than ignoring such an important issue, we
have a moral duty to do what we can to help.”

Gary Lightbody said he and
the Oh Yeah! Music Centre are behind the pledge as
it fits their ethos. "Oh Yeah Music Centre is a space where
young people can come and feel safe physically and
emotionally. We promote awareness of mental health issues and
the important role music can play."

Patricia Lewsley, Commissioner for
Children and Young People said “We must all work towards
changing the negative attitudes towards children and young people
with mental ill health and break down the stigma that is attached
to it. Government departments and service providers need to ensure
that there is enough information and support for parents, carers
and friends of those with mental ill health.”

Lynda Bryans, journalist and
broadcaster, has campaigned on stigma because of her own experience
of depression and said she wholeheartedly supports this pledge.
“Many people remember a time when you couldn’t speak about cancer.
These days we speak openly about the most embarrassing cancers and
know to check for lumps and bumps. Over time I hope we can do the
same with mental health, because stigma really does get in the way
of recovery.”

Alastair Campbell said he
supports the pledge because he has experienced mental health
problems personally. “When Tony Blair asked me to work for him, I
explained all about my breakdown, drink problem and depression, and
he said ‘I’m not bothered if you’re not bothered.’ When I said what
if I am bothered, he said ‘I’m still not bothered’. We’ve got to
take the shame out of mental health problems.”

Frank Cottrell Boyce, the
Irish author of children’s books including Framed and Millions,
supported the said it’s time people realised mental health problems
can happen to anyone. “How about nicking a thought from the Roman
playwright Terence – I am a human being; nothing that happens to
any human could not happen to me.”